The Kwara State Government has underscored the importance of discipline in the healthcare sector, urging all health workers to avoid unethical practices that could endanger patients or undermine service quality.

Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, Commissioner for Health, issued the directive during an expanded stakeholders' meeting held at the Ministry's headquarters on Fate Road, Ilorin. The gathering addressed concerns about indiscipline among healthcare staff and aimed to establish strategies for improving service delivery.

In her remarks, Dr. El-Imam stated that the meeting was part of the Ministry's renewed commitment to maintaining professionalism and discipline among all health personnel.

She stressed that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with relevant authorities, including the Office of the Head of Service, would not hesitate to sanction any health worker found guilty of unethical conduct. "We are committed to enforcing discipline and promoting accountability in the health sector," Dr. El-Imam, said.

"The government has made significant investments in staff welfare, including timely payment of salaries, including most recently, the implementation of the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical doctors. We have also embarked on a massive renovation and expansion of health facilities, and procurement of modern medical equipment to ensure a safe and conducive working environment," she explained.

The Commissioner also condemned any form of malpractice or behaviour that could put patients at risk, stressing that such acts would not be tolerated under the current administration.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the House Committee on Health and Nutrition, who is also the Member representing Ojomu/Balogun Ward, Offa, in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Seun Oguniyi, appealed to health workers to uphold high standards of conduct and integrity in their duties. He noted that the trust reposed on health workers by the public is a sacred one that must not be violated.

The meeting had in attendance; the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Malik Abdulraheem, alongside other key stakeholders from the Office of the Head of Service and the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS), among others.